An awareness program on Skill Development for classes X & XII ( Humanities and Vocational) students under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

Namchi, March 03 (IPR): An awareness program on Skill Development for classes X & XII ( Humanities and Vocational) students under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was organised by Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department at Government Senior Secondary School, Sumbuk, Namchi District, today.
The program was graced by the presence of Ms Indu Gurung Gyaltshen , Principal of Senior Secondary School, Sumbuk, who served as the chief guest.
Also present were Ms Sophia Lepcha, AD Nutrition and Nodal Officer for BBBP, Ms Hema Devi Sharma DMC, District HUB for the Empowerment of Women, Ms Anju Pradhan, MD/Co-Founder of Skill Campus, Namchi, Mr D P Sharma, Instructor, ITI Kitchudumra, along with students from classes X and XII, teaching and non-teaching staff of Senior Secondary School Sumbuk, and members of the WCSCDWD and HUB for the Empowerment of Women.
Ms Indu Gurung Gyaltshen Principal of Sr. Sec School, Sumbuk, expressed her gratitude towards the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Diyangjan Welfare Department (WCSCDWD) and the researchers for providing valuable knowledge and opportunities to the students.
In her address, she encouraged the students to follow their own dreams and pursue their individual goals with determination. She emphasised the importance of education and personal growth, urging students to stay focused on their aspirations.
Additionally, she informed the students of the significance of sharing the knowledge they gain with their community and society, describing it as an essential part of the teaching and learning process. By passing on what they learn, students can contribute positively to the betterment of those around them, she said.
Ms Sophia Lepcha AD Nutrition cum Nodal Officer of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, highlighted on the initiative launched of BBBP on January 22, 2015, across India in response to the declining sex ratio.
In her address, she emphasised the critical role of male participation in BBBP related programme, stressing that both genders need to be involved for the dissemination of better and more advanced information. She underscored that the success of BBBP lies in active engagement from all sections of society.
She also highlighted several key benefits of the BBBP schemes, including the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), a government backed savings scheme designed to assist in the higher education and marriage of girls.
She spoke on various issues that BBBP aims to address, including awareness of the minimum legal age of marriage, promoting gender equality, ensuring safety against mental and physical harassment, and encouraging greater community participation.
She shared the positive outcomes of the BBBP initiative, noting an increase in school enrolment rates for girls and a rise in institutional deliveries across the country.
She also addressed students about the importance of prioritising mental health. Emphasising the significance of maintaining well-being, she encouraged young people to take proactive steps in caring for their mental health, recognising it as a critical aspect of overall success and happiness.
She urged students to prioritise their relationships with their parents, noting that they are often the unwavering support system that can help them navigate the complexities of life.
Ms Anju Pradhan, MD/Co-Founder Skill Campus, Namchi, shared her journey and valuable insights with students during the session. She provided a detailed overview of the Skill Campus Hotel Management Institute, emphasising its practical approach to education, with 60 percentage of the curriculum focused on hands on training and 40 percentage on theoretical knowledge.
In her address, she described the hospitality industry as an expansive sector encompassing a wide range of commercial activities. She noted that hospitality serves as the bond between retailers and guests, fostering better and stronger relationships.
She also outlined the four key departments in the hotel industry: front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, and food production. Additionally, she discussed the numerous career opportunities available to students in sectors such as hotels, airlines, cruises, retail, tourism, and entrepreneurship.
She also urged students to live life to the fullest, remain productive, and challenge themselves to compete with their own potential for personal growth and success.
Mr D P Sharma Instructor, ITI (Industrial Training Institute) Kitchudumra Namchi, shared an insightful overview of the institution, which was established in 2008. ITI Namchi offers a technical education through vocational courses aimed at developing the skills of young individuals.
He highlighted the courses available which include Welder (FAB & Fittings), Plumber, Diesel Mechanic, Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA), Dress Making, Stenographer Secretarial Assistant (SSA), Fitter and Electrician. These courses are designed to cater to the growing demand for skilled workers in both the public and private sectors.
He also outlined the primary aims and objectives of ITI Namchi, which focus on preparing students for successful careers by offering high quality training, which include making individuals skilled and resourceful, providing job opportunities in both government and private sectors, developing an entrepreneurial mindset, and creating business opportunities.
Additionally, he added that ITI Namchi strives to supply industries with a trained, capable, and skilled workforce that meets the needs of today’s dynamic job market.
Ms Hema Devi Sharma, DMC HUB, mentioned that HUB for Empowerment of Women under the Mission Sakthi initiative, works to empower women and girls across India by focusing on their safety, security, and self-reliance, helping them in education, healthcare, financial literacy, and legal rights.
She encouraged everyone to utilise the emergency helpline number, stressing that it provides immediate support while also raising awareness about various government programs dedicated to women’s empowerment.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,” the distribution of the 24-hour child helpline number 1098 and the women’s helpline number 181 occurred in Senior Secondary School, Sumbuk.